PM pays tributes to 59 members retiring from RS; hails Deve Gowda, Mallikarjun Kharge, Sharad Pawar

PM Modi said, 'A shared sentiment emerges within us all --” the realisation that our colleagues are now moving forward to undertake other endeavours.'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid tributes to 59 members retiring from the Rajya Sabha between April and July.

PM Modi also called Parliament "an open university" and urged the outgoing legislators to continue contributing to national life.

While addressing the Rajya Sabha, he said that such moments naturally dissolve partisan divides.

Modi said, "A shared sentiment emerges within us all --” the realisation that our colleagues are now moving forward to undertake other endeavours."

PM Modi also said, "In politics, there is no such thing as a full stop. The future awaits you as well, and your experience will forever remain an enduring part of our national life."

He hailed former prime minister H D Deve Gowda, Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, and NCP chief Sharad Pawar. He called them stalwarts who have spent more than half their lives in parliamentary proceedings.

"The manner in which they continue to attend the House with such dedication is truly exemplary --” a spirit from which all new parliamentarians ought to learn," the PM said.

PM Modi also paid tribute to outgoing Deputy Chairman Harivansh, describing him as "gentle and soft-spoken" yet a "man of rigorous action".

(With PTI inputs)